Entry: Tracey Duffey, World Cocoa Foundation and Josephine Ramos, Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines
A favorite part of my job with the World Cocoa Foundation is to spend time in the field meeting with cocoa farmers in their communities, learning from their experiences of farmer field school trainings, and visiting with our many partners that work together to help the farmers. This past week, I had an unforgettable visit to several cocoa producing sites of the Philippines. I spent the week with staff of the Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines (CocoaPhil - a member of WCF) who arranged my schedule of visits. We visited numerous sites of the SUCCESS Alliance Phase II project managed by ACDI/VOCA with CocoaPhil as an implementer.
I asked Josephine Ramos, the Field Operations Manager of CocoaPhil to share her impressions of our visits. Here is Josephine pictured at one of the fermentories we visited that will receive assistance from the SUCCESS Alliance project this year.
“It has always been a wish for an industry association like CocoaPhil to be linked and establish partnerships with development organizations and the global markets, not to mention, of finding ‘big brothers’ because the CocoaPhil alone cannot solely undertake such huge tasks of developing the industry.
This was realized with our membership to WCF starting in 2006, and as we took pride of the presence of the WCF President, Bill Guyton when we launched the Philippine Cocoa Industry Roadmap in October 2006, we refer this connection as a gateway to wider opportunities for information exchanges, new and practical farming and quality production technologies, market linkages, and leveraging of resources, among others that are essential in sustaining our efforts in building up the Philippine Cocoa industry.
The 8-day visit of Ms. Tracey Duffey, WCF Program Coordinator, that concluded on 26 November is particularly rewarding. I joined Tracey on this trip where each day was spent on meetings with cocoa farmers, seeing their farms and other production activities, and discussions on aspects that could help them improve and expand cacao production, with the end in view of better family conditions. The field visit activities, most especially with the WCF, and with Tracey communicating on the WCF’s outreach activities, comes as reassurance to our farmers that they too are linked with their counterparts in the global cacao industry, not only in terms of finding support, but also of recognizing their efforts and sharing them with the rest of the cacao farmers in the world.
On behalf of CocoaPhil, and especially the Filipino cacao farmers, we extend great appreciation of the support and attention of the WCF, and we are looking forward to continuing the outreach programs towards our common goal of improving conditions for cacao growing communities in the Philippines.” - Josephine Ramos, CocoaPhil
Edward David, President of CocoaPhil and Josephine Ramos and I spoke with members of several cocoa clubs who joined us for a meeting on Sunday to discuss their activities and progress. The cocoa club members asked very good questions about market linkages and quality improvement regarding their cacao.
Though you cannot join me in the cocoa farms in the Philippines, I hope this entry helps to provide you an idea of my visit. Tomorrow I will introduce you to one of the CocoaPhil Field Technicians.
Comments (24)
Dear Sir/Madam:
Greetings from the last ecological frontier of the Philippines,Palawan!
Im Edilberto Magpayo,Program Manager of Palawan Conservation Corps an environmental non-government organization (NGO) in Palawan founded by a two peacecorps volunteer who were assigned here in the island before.
Our program focus on environmental restoration in some of the protected area here in the island. And mostly found in the water shed area, we also produced seedlings in our nursery where we use for our environmental restoration.
We had also a six months residential program for the less fortunate youth of the island where they stayed in our dormitory for several trainings. These youth were trained to become a youth advocate for nature, they helped us facilitate environmental restoration in some of our partners community...
In this connection, in behalf of our program I would like to ask from youre good office if would be possible for us to submit a proposal regarding our project and wish that we could work together as partner in helping Mother Earth on her battle to combat environmental challenges...
Please feel free to view our page at:
www.palcorps.tripod.com
www.friendster.com/palcorps
Until here and hope to hear from you, thank you so much....
For the environment,
Edilberto Magpayo
Program Manager
Palawan Conservation Corps
271 B-Bautista Compound Malvar Street
Puerto Princesa City
Palawan 5300
Philippines
(+6348) 434 5343
Posted by Edilberto Magpayo | January 20, 2008 11:55 PM
Posted on January 20, 2008 23:55
Dear Madame,
In 2007 I planted 800 cacao trees in Agusan del Sur. This January Im planting another 2000 trees. Since the trees will start producing 3 years away I admit I don't know anything about its market. I would like an information about how to market this product. Where? Any organization I can link with?
Posted by Ruby chute | January 28, 2008 9:07 PM
Posted on January 28, 2008 21:07
Dear Madame,
I have just bought land in Calapan Oriental Mindoro. My Uncle Victor is taking care of it. He's an agriculturer and in fact he's delivering calamansi everywhere there in Philippines. I have bought some part of his land, and my husband and I
want to start with planting up cocoa. Were not in present, so my Uncle will take charge of it.
But the problem is he doesn't have any experience in cocoa. Yet he has already started.
My husband is Chef Patisserie here in France and we would like to develop cacao Criollo.The same problem we would like to link to any organisation, who can help us build this thing.
More info would be necessary, concerning about cocoa.
One more thing , it was the second time of planting again the cocoa, because the first trial
had been devastated by the typhoon.
Waiting for the response.
Maricel and Frederic Herledan
75 Av De Druides
56340 Carnac Plage
France
Posted by Maricel Herledan | March 4, 2008 5:34 AM
Posted on March 4, 2008 05:34
Good day ,
Im a supplier of cocoa and I want to market my product in philippines and outside the country can you pls give me idea how can be a part of ur organization im very willing to attend seminars and trainings if you have.
THanks ,
Lourdes Alvaran
Veterans Village Q.C
Posted by Lourdes Alvaran | May 25, 2008 9:44 AM
Posted on May 25, 2008 09:44
DEAR MA'AM,
I GREW UP IN THE COCOA BUSINESS SINCE BIRTH. NOW,I AM THE SUCCESSOR OF OUR FAMILY BUSINESS. I AM LOOKING AND OPEN TO HAVE BUSINESS WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BUYERS. IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING, I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATED.
GREG FROM DAVAO..
Posted by GREG DE GUZMAN | August 19, 2008 9:46 AM
Posted on August 19, 2008 09:46
Hi Everyone,
Would like to know more about this Cacao business, Please help me in giving some sites / info re: cacao. Here are some of my questions:
1. im doing a study on how much money we need to put up this kind of business?
2. Whay type of seed we have to used here (Philippines)?
3. What climate is more appropriate for this kind of tree?
4. How many months/years does a cacao grow and when is the harvest time how many years?
5. How much is a cacao seed?where to buy?
Posted by Romel Ramos | January 4, 2009 9:11 PM
Posted on January 4, 2009 21:11
Hi Everyone,
Would like to know more about this Cacao business, Please help me in giving some sites / info re: cacao. Here are some of my questions:
1. im doing a study on how much money we need to put up this kind of business?
2. Whay type of seed we have to used here (Philippines)?
3. What climate is more appropriate for this kind of tree?
4. How many months/years does a cacao grow and when is the harvest time how many years?
5. How much is a cacao seed?where to buy?
Romel Ramos
Pasig City
apache_18ph@yahoo.com
Posted by Romel Ramos | January 5, 2009 1:42 AM
Posted on January 5, 2009 01:42
Hi Everyone,
Would like to know more about this Cacao business, Please help me in giving some sites / info re: cacao. Here are some of my questions:
1. im doing a study on how much money we need to put up this kind of business?
2. Whay type of seed we have to used here (Philippines)?
3. What climate is more appropriate for this kind of tree?
4. How many months/years does a cacao grow and when is the harvest time how many years?
5. How much is a cacao seed?where to buy?
Romel Ramos
Pasig City
apache_18ph@yahoo.com
Posted by Romel Ramos | January 6, 2009 8:04 PM
Posted on January 6, 2009 20:04
Good day.
We have a one hectare land that we plan to plant with cocoa. Right now I am apprehensive to start it because I'm not sure if we can have a market for it. Is it possible for you to help direct us to a buyer? I would also appreciate it if you could inform us of any upcoming seminars on cocoa production.
Thanks a lot.
Posted by Siegfred Partosa | April 23, 2009 8:23 AM
Posted on April 23, 2009 08:23
My Boss has a 20 hectares lot area here in the Philippines. We dont have enough idea. We need to know the right or proper way of planting cocoa ..On how to manage it.PLs. advice us.Thanks
Posted by Cortina Luna | May 15, 2009 7:43 AM
Posted on May 15, 2009 07:43
Hi, we are into planting of cacao trees in the island municipality of maripipi wherein the best cacao was found. Due to lack of proper information and neglect, the cacao industry in Maripipi was forgotten. Recently we organized a producers cooperative to propel the planting and production of quality cacao beans, we may inquire from your company if you are extending any help to cooperative including financial and technical assistance. If so, how can we avail of your assitance. Thanks.
Posted by Atty. Bonz Mejarito | May 19, 2009 2:27 AM
Posted on May 19, 2009 02:27
Hello Josephine, My name is Dan Dill.I talked with Tracey Duffey today and she gave me your name for contact info. My wife and I have family members in the philippines and we are interested in starting a cocoa farm. We would like to have your number and place of contact so that they can get information from you. Our family lives in the Bicol Region. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Posted by Dan Dill | July 3, 2009 1:03 PM
Posted on July 3, 2009 13:03
Hi Josephine,
This is a great project that will help uplift Filipino farmers' livelihood as well as make Philippines a player/producer of good quality cacao beans in the global market.
My Mom's family is from Camiguin, one of the poorest towns in the Philippines. But one thing going for them is that they have very rich volcanic soil. I was wondering if the Camiguin farmers can become a part of this Success Alliance Program. I know that there are some farmers that has some acreage of Cacao trees that have been neglected and need some help w/ rehabilitation. I hope you greatly consider extending help to these poverty stricken community.
I will be arriving in the Philippines (Camiguin) in mid August. I hope we can get together and see if it is at all feasible.
Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
Joy King
Posted by JoyKing | July 18, 2009 8:43 PM
Posted on July 18, 2009 20:43
1. im doing a study on how much money we need to put up this kind of business?
2. Whay type of seed we have to used here (Philippines)?
3. What climate is more appropriate for this kind of tree?
4. How many months/years does a cacao grow and when is the harvest time how many years?
5. How much is a cacao seed?where to buy?
6. Where in the Philippines cocoa should be planted?
---for class purposes---
---thank you---
Posted by mileth baua | August 8, 2009 2:52 AM
Posted on August 8, 2009 02:52
nous recherchons des acheteurs du beurre de cacao bio et poudre ds prix trés trés interesant
1 litre 80 euros
1 kilogramme poudre 10 euros
Posted by fouda ngambi | August 19, 2009 12:15 PM
Posted on August 19, 2009 12:15
Dear sir/madam,..
I have land that I want to plant Cacao but don't know where to get the seedling from,.. how much its cost and if you can provide training on how to grow cacao... I have 100 hectare that I want to cultivate and so on... please reply soon
Posted by catalina DJ | October 10, 2009 12:09 AM
Posted on October 10, 2009 00:09
je souhaite recevoir des mails. je suis à la recherche de partenariat pour une ONG pour sauver les plantations cacaoyeres. je suis au 225 08950779. merci
Posted by brou kouame jean marius | February 8, 2010 6:55 AM
Posted on February 8, 2010 06:55
Wanted to know if it's possible to grow it in Gapan Neva Ecija,where I can get the seedlings and how many years before itcan start producing. thanks
Posted by Luz Mendoza | February 14, 2010 10:45 AM
Posted on February 14, 2010 10:45
To whom it may concern,
I read about cacao beans and its health benefits, I am so interested to be trained on how to grow it up to processing it. Where do I go for training and what to do.
I want to help our farmers in my province who are less knowledgeable about cacao tree and beans and don't know what to do with this particular crop.
It's time to raise our economy in the Philippines.
We have to love our countrymen and our country.
Thank you for your support and response.
Posted by SOLEDAD ESQUILLO | February 15, 2010 4:31 AM
Posted on February 15, 2010 04:31
Please send me schedule of cacao seminar in davao. I am interested to start the cacao business. Thank you.
Posted by Janice Banal | April 1, 2010 11:56 AM
Posted on April 1, 2010 11:56
i was looking for a possible supplier of cacao..i have a possible buyer..pls contact me right away to this email add ems_espano@yahoo.com,my contact # 09296612743..
Posted by emily | June 9, 2010 8:23 AM
Posted on June 9, 2010 08:23
my friend is asking where they can buy cacao beans to plant they want to grow it on their land.
Do somebody can help me??
Posted by james bulak | June 30, 2010 8:07 AM
Posted on June 30, 2010 08:07
can we grow cacao in a area in tarlac region?
Posted by raphael lemmens | July 26, 2010 10:55 PM
Posted on July 26, 2010 22:55
Dear sir,
We plan to grow 5 hc of cacao trees and we started planting banana trees as shade already.Can your office provide me with a feasibility studies on cacao plantations.Please provide me also with a kind of a varieties of the trees that is feasible for international marketing.
my husband is interested to attend seminar in Davao.Please give me their schedules for next year 2011.
we from Iloilo.
Thank you for your effort.
connie
Posted by connie h.sabidong | August 8, 2010 2:29 AM
Posted on August 8, 2010 02:29